U.S. GOVT WANTS OFFSHORE WIND AND WAVE SITES

This annoucement from the U.S. Interior Department’s Minerals Management Service (MMS) is good news indeed. The methodical processes of development are moving forward.

The offshore wind potential of the "Mid-Atlantic Bight" is enormous (see JERSEY TO MAKE OFFSHORE INVESTMENTS and PLUG IN TO EAST COAST WINDS) as is the potential of Florida's Gulf Stream. (See WAVE ENERGY NOW). The West Coast's wave energy potential might be even greater.

The roll out of these studies has been agonizingly slow. Because action and the lack thereof from government agencies like MMS is one very real control the White House has, it's hard to believe New Energy development would be where it is if Al Gore hadn't hung his chad in Florida.

MMS has been studying the resources carefully. (click to enlarge)

Government seeks offshore wind, ocean power projects
Tom Doggett (w/Christian Wiessner), April 17, 2008 (Reuters)

WHO
The U.S. Interior Department’s Minerals Management Service (MMS) (Randall Luthi, director)

Florida has long been anxious to develop its Gulf Stream energy. (click to enlarge)

WHAT
MMS has designated certain U.S. coastal waters for testing offshore wind energy, current energy and wave energy.

WHEN
- MMS began seeking public input for these projects in November 2007.
- Final regulations for the projects are expected by the end of the year.

The Mid-Atlantic Bight may have enough wind to power the East Coast. (click to enlarge)

WHERE
- Offshore wind energy will be tested along the New Jersey, Delaware and Georgia coasts.
- Current energy will be tested along the Florida coast.
- Wave energy will be tested off the Northern California coast.

WHY
- Temporary leases will be granted by MMS for testing purposes.
- Tests will be of competing technologies. Data will be collected.
- MMS will do no commercial energy production.
- 40 research projects were proposed to MMS. It will go forward with approximately 16, 10 offshore wind projects, 4 current energy projects and 2 wave energy projects.

Europe has been building offshore wind for years and is beginning to build wave installations. The U.S. Interior Dept. is still doing studies. (click to enlarge)

QUOTES
Randall Luthi, director, MMS: "This is a major step forward in expanding our nation's energy portfolio…The information gained from research in these areas will greatly increase our understanding of the vast renewable energy potential just off our coast…"